Holly Willoughby: It was hard watching failing contestants on The Voice

Holly Willoughby found it "hard" to watch contestants fail on 'The Voice' and particularly "tough" to be in the same room as their families during the audition process

Holly Willoughby found it "hard" to watch contestants fail on 'The Voice'.

The 31-year-old TV presenter - who is co-hosting the BBC One talent show alongside Reggie Yates - discovered it is "tough" to be in the same room as a singing wannabe's family when they are watching their relative during the audition process.

She told BANG Showbiz: "I've had less mascara on my shoulder than on 'The Xtra Factor', that's the biggest difference I suppose. What is different, and this is probably the tough bit, is being in the room and watching it on the monitor with the family.

"I've never done that before and it's almost harder being there for them because for the artist, that's their world and they're used to it. But the family are powerless and just have to stand there and watch. I found it hard."

Holly was inspired to take on the role after talking through it with her 'This Morning' and former 'Dancing On Ice' co-presenter Phillip Schofield, and while she was disappointed to give up co-hosting the ice skating show, she is exited to trying something new.

She added: "Phillip is really excited for me. He was the first person that I spoke to about 'The Voice'. Everyone in the industry knew about it because it was bubbling up and really exciting and he was like, 'This is amazing - you have to do it'.

"It's always difficult leaving something that you love but I'd been there seven years and I think it's good to change around and do new stuff."

Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue will be judges on 'The Voice', which will begin on March 24 on BBC One.